Westwood Hill Nature Center

Contents

History 4
Site & Facilities 6
Nature 8
Education 12
Recreation 16
Wildlife 20
Volunteer 22

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History The first building at Beginning in 1970, the city
Westwood Hills Nature began exploring the idea of
Center opened in 1981, creating a nature center in
but the area has a long and the area, and construction
interesting history that dates of the interpretive building
back many years earlier. began a decade later.
In 1928, Westwood Hills Today, Westwood Hills
Country Club opened with Nature Center provides
27 holes and 9,405 total visitors of all ages the
yards. The golf course chance to explore the
thrived for a number of natural world—right here
years, but by the mid-1950s, in St. Louis Park. Come see
it was no longer profitable. for yourself, and create your
In the early 1960s the land own natural history.
was used as a day camp for Information courtesy of the
local residents. St. Louis Park Historical Society

1930s Westwood Hills Country Club 1960s Westwood Hills Day Camp

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1970s Site Planning Initiated 1980s Interpretive Center Present Day

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Site & Facilities

Westwood Hills Nature Center is
a 160-acre natural area featuring
marsh, woods and restored prairie.
Enjoy a variety of beautiful spaces
in a natural setting available to the
public year-round in the Twin Cities.
Facilities are also available to rent
for your next event. Parking and
admission are free.
Features:
- Westwood Lake
- More than 3 miles of trails
- Water Garden
- Interpretive Center
- “Brickhouse” Rental Facility
- Outdoor Amphitheater
- Playground & Climbing Rocks
- Pavilion
- Honey Bee Observation Apiary
- Restrooms

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Nature

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“Nature is closer than you think.”

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Nature

Westwood Hills Nature Center by journeying through the preserve
preserve is beautiful throughout where you can experience a rare
the season, showcasing the mosaic perk of nature in the city.
beauty that only nature can offer. Walk through a variety of trails
The preserve provides habitat for year-round and create your own
many animals, so every venture will natural history.
be a surprise. Create your own story

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Education

The Westwood Hills Nature Center is aunique,
outdoor classroom in the middle of the city.
Professionally-trained naturalists lead a wide
variety of fun, informative, and hands-on
environmental education and outdoor recreation
programs.

“Where the learning environment

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is all about learning environment.”

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Education

The Westwood Hills Nature Center is a unique, outdoor, Education opportunities range from informal classes
multi-generational classroom in the middle of the city. to summer camp. Westwood Naturalists conduct year-
Professionally trained naturalists lead a wide variety of round programs to increase visitors’ understanding and
fun, informative and hands-on environmental education appreciation of our natural world.
and outdoor recreation programs.

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Recreation

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“Create your own natural history.”

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Recreation

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy
Westwood Hills Nature Center’s fun
recreational opportunities for visitors
of all ages. The Nature Center trails
are open every day from sunrise to
sunset, year-round.
Recreation Opportunities:
- Birdwatching
- Fishing Pier
- Canoes
- Hiking Trails (asphalt, crushed

rock, boardwalk and woodchip)
- Playground and Climbing Rocks
- Picnic Tables
- Kicksleds
- Snowshoes
- Archery
- Park Packs
- Photography
- Interpretive Center
- Geocache/Orienteering Trail
- Annual Public Events

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Wildlife

There are a number of wild
residents at Westwood Hills
Nature Center. From the lake to
the woods, to the prairie there is
something for everyone to see at
the Nature Center. If you’re a bird-
watcher, Westwood is the perfect
destination with over 200 species
of birds sighted. You can also find
large mammals, varied insects,
amphibians, and more!
There is always a new natural
surprise awaiting you at Westwood
Hills Nature Center.

“Wildlife within walking distance.”

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Volunteer

Our volunteers truly make Westwood
Hills Nature Center a special
place. Volunteer opportunities
include helping with special events,
receptionist, hike assistant, tree
planting, animal care, junior naturalist,
general maintenance, and much more.
To learn more about current volunteer
opportunities, please visit our website.
www.westwoodhillsnaturecenter.org

“Westwood Hills Nature

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Center - it belongs to you.”

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Contact

Westwood Hills Nature Center
8300 West Franklin Avenue
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
(952) 924-2544
[email protected]
www.westwoodnaturecenter.org

Like Us
facebook.com/westwoodhillsnaturecenter

Location and Hours
The Nature Center is located just south of I-394
and east of Highway 169. Parking and admission
are free. Wood chip, boardwalk and hard surface
accessible trails are open from dawn to dusk
year-round. Pets are not allowed anywhere in
Westwood Hills Nature Center. Bikes are not
allowed on any of the trails.

Interpretive Center Building Hours
Monday to Friday - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday - Noon to 5 p.m.
Closed weekends December through January.
Nature Center trails are open daily from sunrise to
sunset year-round.

Photographs courtesy of:
Nadav Cossuto - p. 22 (Red Foxes)
Chuck Dahl - p. 10 (Doe), p. 14 (Westwood Halloween
Party) p. 20 (Chipmunk)
Jim Williams - p. 11 (Baltimore Oriole, Great Horned
Owl), p.21 (Painted Turtles, Raccoon)